Voting Leave Laws by State

When Election Day nears, employers should be prepared to respond to an employee’s request for time off to vote. While there is no federal law mandating voting leave, most states require employers to provide their employees with time off from work to vote in an election.

Our Fifty state chart on voting leave laws summarizes each state’s requirements on:

• Employee eligibility;
• Employee and employer notice or documentation;
• Compensation of leave time;
• Duration of leave; and
• Time off for election officials.

Many states will impose a criminal penalty on an employer that fires or engages in an unfavorable employment action because an employee takes time off or requests time off to vote. No matter what state an employer operates in, the employer should not discipline an employee because the employee exercised his or her right to vote.

Understanding these requirements is essential for HR teams managing multi‑state workforces. HR teams should review and update their voting leave policies, communicate entitlements in advance, and ensure managers are equipped to handle requests appropriately. A proactive, compliant voting leave strategy not only protects the organisation but also supports civic engagement and reinforces a positive employee experience.

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